AHS, NEHS hockey starting to separate from pack

By: Kyle Moylan
   The definition of a great leader is someone that doesn’t panic in a tough situation. They are the ones that look for a way out of a difficult situation — rather than dwelling on how the problem started.
   MaryEllen McCarthy is a great leader.
   After guiding her Allentown High School field hockey team to three straight Central Jersey Group II titles, the Redbirds entered last week with a 2-2 record. Not bad, but certainly not Allentown standards.
   "Was it odd being 2-2?" McCarthy wondered. "Was it strange? No, it’s just where we were. It was up to us to get better."
   Mission accomplished.
   In its first two games this past week, Allentown defeated West Windsor South (4-2) and Hightstown (2-1). In its third game, it managed to tie Moorestown, one of the top ranked teams in the state, 3-3.
   Not too shabby for a very young team.
   "With more practice and competition, we’re getting better every game," McCarthy said of her young team that’s trying the hockey team’s great tradition. "We’re 4-2 now and we want to get far away from the .500 mark and go from there."
   The first step away from the .500 mark came against West Windsor. Michelle Najecki scored two goals and Caitlyn Crane and Angela Scibilia added a goal each.
   Kasie Nurko and Crane added a goal each in the win against Hightstown. Scibilia and Najecki had assists.
   Stephanie Stabulis had the wins in goal. She probably had to work harder in the tie on Friday, though.
   Allentown was outshot 20-9 in the game by Moorestown and was down 3-0 at the half. Goals by Nurko, Crane and Rachel Scheuerman in the second half, however, gave Allentown the tie. Briana Gaum and Paige Weatherbee had assists. Stabulis made seven saves in goal.
   "Coming back from 3-0 to tie Moorestown was a terrific feeling," McCarthy said.
   McCarthy hopes her team can continue its excellent play this week. Allentown was scheduled to face Hamilton on Tuesday. It will host Princeton today at 4 p.m. and Steinert at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Allentown will be at Nottingham for a 4 p.m. start on Tuesday.
   "The more we play, the more we learn," McCarthy said. "The defense has improved tremendously with its markings and the offense is taking better shots."
   Most importantly, the girls are willing to follow their leader. That’s a good idea because McCarthy rarely heads down the wrong path.